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Designer of the Week - Paradin' Around Clothing

This week get to know Nicole
of Paradin' Around Clothing . "I am married to my best friend Elliott who kindly forgives all the over spending
I do when there is a sale on fabric. ;-) I have two girls, Michelle age 5 and Summer age 3."

JM: When did you get started sewing and creating?

NICOLE: I started sewing when I was ten and I had my first smocking lesson when I was eleven.
My Mother taught me to sew. I made the mistake of choosing knit fabric for my first project and after that experience I am surprised I ever wanted to sew again. ;-)
My Grandmother gave me my first smocking lesson. She was probably trying to keep me busy.
I began adding to my sewing knowledge and refreshing my smocking skills when my daughters "needed" more clothes.

JM: When did you start selling your designs on eBay?

NICOLE: I began selling my designs on eBay 6 months ago. Before eBay I taught music lessons and
sold boutique cart covers to a local boutique.

JM: Do you remember the first outfit you sold on eBay?

NICOLE: Yes, I remember my first. I had so much fun designing it and was so excited to have it listed
and selling! It was a three piece set with appliqué.

JM: How did come up with your name, Paradin' Around Clothing ?

NICOLE:My husband and I came up with Paradin'
Around. I kept throwing ideas around and then I thought, "Hey! What do most little girls do when they get a fancy new outfit? They
Parade Around!!" The Paradin' part is my tribute to being a Texas girl.

NICOLE:I belong to Boutique Rascals and the Smocking Showcase.
I have been so privileged to work with all of these amazing ladies. I have learned so much from them and they are each
so unique and fun.

JM: Do you have a favorite item to create?

NICOLE: I think my favorite thing to create would have to be anything smocked. I enjoy them the
most because of the detail and the art it brings to an outfit.
They also remind me of my Grandmother and I always wish I could share them with her.

JM: If you could learn some new skills, what would they be?

NICOLE:I would love to take tennis lessons
so I could beat my hubby at a game, just once!! :-)

JM: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

NICOLE:I would love to go back to Europe and my Grandfather and Elliott keep saying
I need to check out Hawaii.

JM: What other things do you enjoy besides sewing?

NICOLE: I love to sew so much but when and if I get dragged away from that, I enjoy going horseback riding, swimming and reading my favorite books.

JM: Anything else you would like to add?

NICOLE:Thank you so much for giving my this opportunity Amy! Journal Modiste is such an awesome resource for all us.
Thank you to my sweet girls who inspire me and my patient husband for all the support to let me do what I love.
Oh and thank you Mom! for all the sewing instructions over the years and to all my sweet customers...you make my job fun!!!

Do you have a question that you are dying to ask Nicole? Comment about something she said or designed?
Post it here and she will answer it!

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Comments

| Thursday, June 5, 2008 3:20 AM | flag
check out www.overstockdesigns.com if you are interested email and I will give you the details.

| Sunday, November 18, 2007 12:55 AM | flag
Hi Nicole, i love your outfits they are beautiful. My question is...i launched my website 2 months ago, vintagesweetpeas. I have not had any sales yet and I was wondering if you think it would be good for me to start an ebay store? I thank you in advance for any advice you can give me and thank you for your time. Lisa Brown

Nicole | Monday, November 5, 2007 8:26 PM | flag
You girls are so sweet!! Thank you so much!